i FT MEADE 

GenCo 1 1 

1 



9 


% 

. ^ 


SECOND COPY, 
1899. 


Jj--X .'-/, V; 





C.,, 


A r' ; * - 

t^rnhc ‘A 


ONLY ACORNS 


BY 


/ 

MARY FRANCES PADDOCK 



BOSTON: 

JAMES H. EARLE, PUBLISHER 
178 Washington Street 


29649 


Copyright, 1899, 
By M. F. PADDOCK. 


■^'O COPIES NEC'-lVzn 




a'» 


// V» Wfi 

i mi 


3 0 1399 






Umvm .c\ a , 


CONTENTS. 


I. The Mystery of Ivy Castle . 

II. Grandma’s Christmas Story . 

III. The Lightning’s Mission . 

IV. Is Cupid Ever Defeated 


V. How Bessie Went to the Picnic 



THE MYSTERY OF IVY CASTLE. 


I N an unfrequented nook of New England, there 
stands to-day a charming old-fashioned village con- 
taining among its many relics a stone house, roomy and 
moss-covered ; standing as if bravely daring old Time’s 
destroying power — a deserted theatre it may be called 
with the actors long since gone. No, not all, for the 
passerby may notice an old time-wrinkled man, whose 
age the stranger cannot tell and even hardly guess at. 
But aged as he is, with his snow-white hair falling to his 
shoulders, he helps to form a pleasing picture, as sitting 
on the wide veranda, he is earnestly talking to an attrac- 
tive-looking girl of perhaps eighteen summers, who is 
intently listening. “Yes, my dear,” he is saying, “you 
see it is your duty to accept this kind gentleman’s offer 
to procure an education, and if you are as brave and 
true-hearted as your grandmother was so many years ago, 
you may yet be able to fix up the old home, which she 
saved through her courage and pluck.” 

“ But, Grandpa, I heard this kind gentleman, as you 
call him, talking the other evening, when you both 
thought me far away. You remember, among other 
things he said, ‘That granddaughter of yours with a 
little more education and training in the ways of the 
world will make a wife some one may be proud of and I 
am not so old yet but perhaps I may conclude to marry. 


6 


ONLY ACORNS: 


What a grand mistress of Crawford Hall she would make. 
How happy a lonely bachelor would be with such a com- 
panion.’ Grand mistress indeed ! I can read this old 
rascal like a book, and grandpa dear, can you not see 
all he wants is to obtain a mortgage on our home Then, 
when you are gone, which time he is looking forward to, 
he would foreclose without much ceremony, little caring 
whether I could pay it or not ? This, as you know, is 
going to be valuable land in a few years, and never, if I 
can help it, shall that greedy man obtain the smallest 
foothold on this place.” And Hazel Bradford looked 
almost pretty, although she had always considered her- 
self very plain on account of “ those horrid freckles,” as 
she would say when any one spoke of her attractiveness, 
which doubtless was due to her perfect health and 
sparkling good-natured wit more than to any facial 
beauty. But now as she repeated these words with 
flushed face and snapping eyes she seemed a part of the 
old house, as indeed she felt herself to be, and like the 
firm stone house, daring the whole world and the future. 

“ Hush, my child! you should not become so excited,” 
replied her grandfather. “ Although Mr. Crawford has 
always been considered by some to be so avaricious, he 
is very kind and generous to offer to help you as much 
as you wish and also to provide for my wants while you 
are away, asking in return only a claim on the land. It 
is expected that he would want some security for so 
much money invested and I am sure he has only our 
best interests at heart.” 

“ Best interests ! Highest interest on a good invest- 
ment would be a better way of saying it. But, Grandpa, 


THE MYSTERY OF IVY CASTLE. 


7 


let us drop this disagreeable subject and tell me how my 
grandmother saved Ivy Castle, as I am so fond of calling 
our old home.’’ 

“ Why, my dear child, can it be possible that you have 
forgotten that story, for I am sure I have told it to you 
many times ? ” 

“No, not entirely, I do remember some of it but am 
never tired of hearing it again.” But to tell the truth 
she asked that it be repeated more to divert her grand- 
father’s mind from the subject just mentioned than 
because she had forgotten it all and, besides, she well 
knew what a pleasure it was for him to relate an event 
connected with one so dear to his heart and ever present 
in his memory. So after the usual fashion of com- 
mencing a story he began thus : 

“ Well, Hazel, this all happened many years ago, and 
yet there is one link in the long chain of events that 
connects it strongly with the present day, and will con- 
tinue to do so in the future until the mystery is solved. 
When the British were invading this country and we 
were fighting for our rights, word was received here one 
morning that the enemy were marching towards our vil- 
lage and would probably reach it in a short time. Now 
it was expected that they would tear through the place 
like a tornado, destroying everything right and left. So 
of course the women and children must be led to a place 
of safety, and therefore were hurried off with the old 
men and young boys, as guides, to the ‘ Old Giant’s 
Cave ’ on the top of South Rock yonder, which we have 
such a fine view of from here. In the meantime the 
men collected, and with what fire-arms they could mus- 


8 


ONLY ACORNS. 


ter up marched off to meet the invading troops, and if 
possible to check their progress, thus compelling them 
to turn in another direction and not tramp through their 
native town. They had fully determined that they 
would defend their homes at any cost, even to the giving 
up of their lives, which many of them were required to 
do. As soon as the women could collect what valuables 
they could carry, with many a look back at their homes, 
which now seemed lost to them forever, they started for 
their hiding-place and all seemed anxious to get away. 
But my mother — why, yes, I w^as mistaken ; she was your 
great-grandmother, child — firmly refused to stir an inch, 
and to no amount of persuasion would she yield. Now 
she must seek some protection for herself and four little 
ones, my two oldest brothers having gone off with father, 
so where do you think she went ? That lot back of the 
barn was covered with rye, which was high enough to 
completely hide them. This my mother, by lying down, 
used as a shield until the enemy passed by. 

“Not long after reaching this place of refuge they 
heard loud firing and heavy tramping, and well knew 
what it meant. ‘Now if those red-coats dare to set fire 
to our house,’ thought my mother, ‘ the outside being 
stone, it will not burn very fast. If I am near by I hope 
I can put it out before much damage is done.’ Soon the 
noise began to grow fainter and fainter. At last she 
thought it safe to venture to the house, and sure enough 
there on the kitchen floor was a bonfire started of broken 
chairs and such furniture as they could easily get hold of. 
Although it was blazing pretty fiercely she succeeded in 
putting it out with the children’s help, for the oaken tim- 


THE MYSTERY OF IVY CASTLE. 


9 


bers they used in those days did not burn as easily as 
those of to-day. However, there is a reminder of it even 
now in that blackened place on the old floor. But, 
Hazel, I told you in the beginning there was a mystery 
yet to be solved, and it is this, — 

“Although I have repeated this story many times, yet 
I have never added this part of it, for I knew well 
enough how it would arouse your curiosity and set you 
to tearing the old place upside down as it did me so 
many years ago when I first heard it. You know at that 
time there were no banks where one could as easily 
deposit their money as now. So each individual acted 
as his own treasurer and looked after his own in- 
terests. My father was considered pretty well off for 
those times, and it happened that the very day before 
our village was attacked, he had received three thousand 
dollars for a piece of property. He expected to add 
about two thousand more to this and then invest the five 
thousand in the old button shop, a new and very promis- 
ing business. Now, Hazel dear, comes the saddest part. 
When night came and those that were left wearily 
returned home my mother looked in vain for her hus- 
band and sons. For, by bravely resisting the enemy 
some hours, our men had compelled the larger part of 
them to turn back and also greatly lessened their 
numbers. But, in consequence, many of them gave up 
their lives and they among the rest. 

“ Of course the sorrow was very hard for her to bear, 
and the loss of the money an added blow, but she bore 
it bravely. Although she always firmly believed that 
carefully stowed away around here somewhere was that 


10 


ONLY ACORNS. 


money, yet she did not worry but lived peacefully long 
enough to see her children married and happy. And I, 
the babe that was carried into the rye-field, am here now, 
old and gray. Although I have lived to see my child 
married and buried beside her young hnsband, yet I 
never expect to give as a bride my only descendant, and 
I sincerely hope that death will not enter our doors until 
the Lord calls me home. But I would die much happier 
if I could see you the finder of that little pot of gold, 
when you need it so much at present.” 

“ Grandpa Darrell ! do you mean to say you have 
known this all m.y life and have never told me before ? 
Why ! I might have found it long ago.” 

“ My dear, you would not have found it any quicker 
by knowing, but here is Betsy calling us to supper,” 
and their one servant who had lived in the family from 
childhood, vowing she would never leave them, appeared. 

“Yes, supper is ready and if you folks know what is 
good for your stomach’s sake you will not keep it waiting, 
for I never saw any cold strawberry short-cake that was 
good for much yet,” and she led the way back to the 
supper-table which did look tempting indeed. 

At the close of the meal Mr. Darrell arose saying, “ It 
is very warm here and 1 think I will sit on the veranda. 
The air is so heavy I shouldn ’t be surprised if we had a 
thunder-shower. Come, Pet, do n’t you want to read to 
your old grandfather a little ? ” 

“Yes, Grandpa, in a few minutes, but I want to help 
Betsy first, so that she may finish her work before it 
commences to lighten.” 

While Hazel was wiping and carefully putting away 


THE MYSTERY OE IVY CASTLE. 


1 1 


the quaint old china, Betsy took occasion to say to her, 

Now listen to me a minute, Hazel. If that old Craw- 
ford comes shining around here to-night, with his silk 
hat and patent leathers, you just take my advice and 
give him a few hints that his company isn’t agreeable. 
I know well enough what he is after and you will see it 
all some day, too, and I tell you that it is something 
more than helping you such a wonderful sight as he 
makes your grandfather believe.” 

“ Oh, Betsy, but I do know it is about that hidden 
money, for grandpa has been revealing the great secret 
to me this afternoon, and do you know, I was almost pro- 
voked to think he had not told me before.” 

“Well you might be, too, but I am glad he has told 
you at last. I have been almost tempted a dozen times 
to break my promise and tell you myself. Now you see 
what that old Crawford is after. I always detested him 
and you know he once reminded me that’I was only a 
servant and forgot my place too often. His family were 
the only outsiders who knew about it for some reason, 
probably because they were prying into other folks’ 
affairs as usual, and he thinks it is a wonderful smart 
secret to keep. Your grandfather is getting feeble.* He 
is easily convinced and. Hazel, if you don’t look out that 
old rascal will be getting the better of you yet.” 

“ Yes, yes, I see it all, Betsy, and you needn’t worry, 
for I am sure grandpa will listen to me first. He would 
sooner die than tell a lie. There ! I have made a rhyme 
and therefore shall have good luck,” and with her usual 
happy laugh she joined her grandfather. 

“ Hazel, dear, I think it will be pleasanter for us to 


12 


ONLY A COIGNS. 


watch the clouds and talk than for you to read to-night/' 
gently taking the book she had in her hands. 

“That is just what I was wishing you would say and, 
Grandpa, you must let me commence.” 

“ Yes, ladies always first, so you may begin.” 

“Thank you. Now, Grandpa, I want you to promise 
me that when Mr. Crawford comes this evening for his 
answer, I may reply to him. I know that we have used 
on our principal and are getting poor but I can find 
something to do. I am sure down in your heart you do 
not want me to leave you. Here he comes now ; promise 
me quick ! ” 

“ Well, yes, as you wish, but remember, child, he is a 
gentleman and must be treated as such.” 

Just at this moment Mr. Crawford came up the steps 
and with raised hat and his usual bland smile said, “ Ah, 
good evening, Mr. Darrell, Miss Bradford. See you are 
trying to keep cool. Well, this is about as comfortable 
a place as I have found to-day.” 

“Yes, it is always cool here,” replied Mr. Darrell, 
“but take a chair and I think you will be more comfort- 
able.” 

“ Thanks, you looked so attractive,” with a glance at 
Hazel, “ on this veranda that I could not refrain from 
stopping and besides, Mr. Darrell, I believe we were to 
finish up that little business this evening. I suppose 
Miss Bradford is very happy. She will be obliged to 
confess that all bachelors are not such cranks and misers 
as are represented,” and he looked at Hazel as though 
expecting her to fall on her knees and worship him, but 
instead she arose like a queen and said, “ No doubt your 


THE MYSTERY OF IVY CASTLE. 


13 ^ 


opinion of such is true, Mr. Crawford, and you may think 
yourself very generous, but we have decided to accept 
no proposals that involve our home in the least. As my 
grandfather has entrusted everything to me, you may as 
well not press the subject any further.” 

Mr. Crawford was so amazed that he did not reply for 
a moment. When he recovered he said, “Very well 
miss, as you prefer. I see you are so blinded by preju- 
dice that you cannot see what is for your own good. 
However, the time may come yet when you will need 
help but remember before coming to me that when aid is 
once refused I never yield to any requests afterwards. 
The shower is rapidly approaching. I must be going,” 
and with a short good evening he arose. 

“You need not worry, sir. We shall never trouble 
you,” and then she laughingly added, “ Perhaps I may 
discover a gold mine some day, and if so shall need no 
assistance from anybody.” 

He did not wait to reply but left them at once. While 
going down the street he thought: “Fool that I was to 
say what I did. Every word I uttered lessened my 
chances. That girl has enough of the old Darrell pride 
to make her as immovable as a mountain.” 

After looking intently at the clouds for some minutes 
Mr. Darrell said, “ How fast the storm is coming up. I 
think you had better go inside, Hazel, as it is getting 
quite damp. I enjoy watching the lightning and will 
stay a little longer.” 

' “ So do I, Grandpa, but will get a wrap and see where 
Betsy is.” 

While calling for Betsy, who was upstairs closing the 


14 


ONLY ACORNS. 


windows, there suddenly came a short, loud report fol- 
lowed by a peal of thunder that seemed to shake the 
foundations of the house. 

“ O Hazel ! is that you calling ? Are you struck ? 
cried Betsy running down the stairs. “ I never heard 
such a report before ! Something is surely struck ! 
Where is your grandfather? ” 

“ I left him on the veranda,” answered Hazel, who was 
already at the door, regardless of the blinding rain which 
the wind was now driving in torrents. 

“ Grandpa, Grandpa, where are you ? ” she cried. 
“ Did the lightning strike you ? ” 

“ Here I am,” answered a feeble voice. “ No, I am 
not struck, but stunned and I feel so queer. You will 
have to help me to walk.” 

With the aid of both women he got inside and on to 
a couch. They applied such remedies as they knew of, 
but he continued to grow weaker. Seeing this, when the 
shower was over Betsy told Hazel that she had better go 
for a doctor, which she did at once. Before leaving, the 
doctor told them that the lightning had given him such 
a shock, on account of his extreme age, it was very 
doubtful if he ever rallied from it. 

As soon as it was light. Hazel ran out to see what 
damage the lightning had done, and there not far from 
the veranda was a large pit dug, completely uprooting 
an immense lilac bush that was nearly as old as the 
house. While looking at this she saw something that 
resembled a box lying at the bottom of the pit almost 
hidden in the dirt and roots. For a moment her heart 
beat so she could scarcely think, and then climbing 


THE MYSTERY OF IVY CASTLE. 


15 


down into the hole she brought forth from its hiding 
place an old tin box. Running into the house she called 
Betsy and together they pried it open, and there, sure 
enough, was the long-hunted-for gold, which years ago 
had been buried under the old lilac for safe keeping. 

“The Lord be praised!” exclaimed Betsy. “I knew 
He was saving that up for you. But your grandfather 
must know of this. Hazel, for it has been the hobby of 
his life to find it.” 

They reached his bedside just as he opened his eyes, 
asking for Hazel. 

“ Here I am. Grandpa, and do you know', the lightning 
uprooted the old lilac bush and buried deep under it was 
your father’s gold.” 

He lay for a moment as if trying to comprehend what 
she had said, and then exclaimed : “ Show it to me. 
Hazel, that I may believe it. Hold the box nearer.” 
And as he looked at the shining gold he said: “Thank 
God I Now I can die happy, knowing you will not want.” 

From that moment he seemed to sink, until, as he had 
wished, the Lord, called him home. From this time 
Hazel always tenderly cares for the lilacs, and says that 
when spring comes again the very first blossoms shall 
cover her grandfather’s grave. 


GRANDMA’S CHRISTMAS STORY. 


I T was Christmas vacation. And such weather! For 
two whole days the snow had been falling and drift- 
ing, and the sharp wind was driving and whirling every- 
thing before it in a regular blizzard fashion. 

No wonder that the children were uneasy and 
anxiously watched the storm, eagerly looking for any 
sign of a clearing, for had not Santa Claus brought Roy 
and his two sisters each a pretty new sled ? Roy, being 
ten and the oldest, thought himself much wiser than 
Pearl and Ruby, who were only eight and six. And so 
he had taught them, as best he could on a carpet, how 
to manage a sled and steer it ; how to fasten the three 
sleds together and make a train, until the sleds began to 
look as if they had been through one or two blizzards 
already. 

At last, when the third day came, none of their toys 
or playthings could interest them any longer. So they 
came to me for a story. “ Please, Grandma, something 
new. We are tired of all the old ones.” 

Now, what was I to do ? I had thought and thought, 
and had told them every story that I could think of, or 
could possibly make up. Suddenly there came into my 
mind a poem that I had learned when a girl, but had not 
thought of for years. It was called, “Gladys Hart’s 


GRAATDMA-'S CHRISTMAS STORY. 


17 


Christmas.” Why not make a. story out of this ? Surely 
it would be new to them. So I began thus, — 

“ Once upon a time there lived a little girl called 
Gladys Hart.” 

“Was she as old as I ?” asked Pearl. 

“Well, not quite,” I replied. 

“Oh, no; ’bout as big as me,” said Ruby. 

“ Pooh ! about girls, and dolls, too, probably, instead 
of a good Injun fight,” exclaimed Roy. “ But suppose 
I might as well listen, seeing I ’ve nothing else to do.” 

“ Children, this will never do. If you want a story, 
you must all listen. Now Gladys’s mamma was a very 
kind and generous lady, and at Christmas time she 
tried to think of the poor, and especially the sick, first 
of all. 

“But this Christmas Gladys thought that she would 
help her mamma ; so she went into her own little room, 
and got out all of her toys and picture-books. She 
spread them around, and began to pick out the oldest 
and partly broken toys. Then she looked over her 
picture-books, and, after selecting the ones she had read 
and learned the stories, she began to fill up two baskets 
with the things she was perfectly willing to give away. 

“When she had jammed them as full as possible she 
took one in each hand and went to the door of her 
mamma’s room. 

“ Now, when her mamma opened the door, she was very 
much surprised at the sight of all these things, but she 
only smiled and said nothing. This made Gladys feel 
rather queer, for she knew that her mamma wanted to 
laugh at her. 


i8 


ONLY ACORNS. 


“Presently she said, ‘Gladys, my dear, I know that all 
these things will make many poor ones very happy 
indeed, but yet, my child, you know very well that you 
care nothing for one of them. Now, where are the 
dollies ? I surely thought that you could spare one to 
poor little crippled Faithy Gray.’ ” 

“There! what did I tell you? ” interrupted Roy. “ But 
it is a pretty good sort of a story, though.” 

I laughed, and then continued ; “ Well, this little Gladys 
wanted to cry right out, and yet she would rather not 
before her mamma, so she turned and left the room very 
suddenly ; and what do you think she did ? She actually 
slammed the door as hard as she could. Then she went 
into her own little room and sat down, and cried and cried 
until all her tears were used up. 

“ Finally she took up her dollies, sat each one -on its 
little chair, and looked them over and over. 

“ There were four in all, but she only picked out three 
to choose from, for, of course, she would not be expected 
to give away Rosalie, her very best doll. She was so 
handsome, and had such beautiful clothes I Why I she 
did not think that she had a right to give her away, any 
more than her mamma had to sell or give her child away. 
Were not these dollies her children, just the same as she 
was mamma’s? So she looked over the others, and be- 
gan to talk to them : ‘ Helen, you are in luck for once, 
for you are not fit to give away, with that false head. 
You are quite in disgrace, anyway, on account of that 
quarrel with Fido, when yon lost your own head. 

“ ‘ Victoria, I should hate to spare you, for you are 
named after the queen, and are really quite a refined 


GRANDMA^S CHRISTMAS STORY. 


9 


looking lady. But I want you never to forget that you 
are an American. 

“‘Now, Claribel, my darling, don’t feel badly, for you 
are very nice to me, but you know that you have lost 
one of your eyes, an arm, and half of a foot. Your hair 
has not one bit of curl, but stands straight out from your 
head. You have only one dress to your name, and I 
really should not miss you as much as the others. 
I never thought that I should have to part with any of 
my children, but I see that I must. You are to be a 
missionary, and must go and comfort a poor little crip- 
pled girl, who has no dollie. What should I do if I 
could not walk, and had not even one doll to keep me 
company } ’ 

“ While she was thinking of this, it seemed as if she 
could hear her mother say : ‘ For shame, Gladys Hart, 
for shame ! You ought to give your very best doll, 
instead of the oldest.’ 

“ After all, she was not such a selfish little girl as one 
would think. When she thought of these words, she did 
not wait any longer, but quickly put on her cloak and 
cap, wrapped up Rosalie, and ran down-stairs, and all 
the way to the little house that Faithy Gray lived in. 
She did not stop long, but laid Rosalie in Faithy’s arms, 
saying: ‘A Christmas present for you, Faithy.’ 

“The little crippled girl was so happy that she could 
hardly thank Gladys, but just hugged and kissed 
Rosalie. 

“When Gladys reached home, she went up to her 
room again. As she was putting away her things, she 
thought : ‘ Well, perhaps I am glad that I have given 


20 


ONLY ACORNS. 


away my very best dollie. Faithy was so happy, and 1 
know that she will be good to her. When God gave us 
a Christmas gift, mamma says that He chose His very 
best and only Son. 

“ Gladys was a very quiet little girl at supper-time that 
night, and her mamma did not say anything more about 
her dollies or Faithy Gray. 

“As it was Christmas eve, Gladys went to bed quite 
early, so as to hang up her stocking for Santa Claus to 
fill ; and yet, she had almost decided not to hang it up 
at all. 

“When she was ready for bed, she thought, — ‘I guess 
I will, though, for Santa Claus always brings me some- 
thing nice, and I can share the good things with Faithy.’ ” 

As I paused to think up the rest. Pearl asked, “ Did 
Santa Claus bring her anything ? ” 

“ Why Pearl, I ’se s’prised at you,” answered Ruby, 
“ course he did. Lots and lots of fings. And he ought 
to bringed her a most lovely, lovely dollie, better than 
Rosalie.” 

“I don’t know about that,” said Roy, “but I should 
awfully hate to give away my n^w sled though, unless I 
was pretty sure of another before long.” 

“ Oh, I should n’t mind at all,” said Ruby, “ for then 
I could ride on Pearl’s, and Roy always draws me up the 
hill on his, anyway.” 

Then we all laughed, and Pearl said, “ Well, Grandma, 
you haven’t told us yet, what Santa Claus brought 
Gladys.” 

So I began again. “When Gladys awoke on Christmas 
morning she tried to feel sad, and think that she had 


GRAA'DMA^S CHRISTMAS STORY. 


21 


a headache, for she had made up her mind to miss 
Rosalie very much. 

“ But when she saw her stocking stuffed completely 
out of shape, it was so full of candies and such nice 
things, she forgot all about her headache, and felt very 
happy. 

“ Right beside her stocking hung a beautiful fur cape, 
a silk handkerchief, a toboggan cap, some warm gloves, 
a lovely fan, and a pair of skates. 

“ But, last of all, way down in the toe of her stocking, 
what do you think that she found 1 

“You may each one guess.” 

“Probably it was a hair ribbon,” said Roy. “Girls 
think a heap of such things.” 

“No, not this time. Now Pearl.” 

“A sweet little bottle of perfume,” answered Pearl. 

Before I could answer her. Ruby exclaimed, “ Oh, you 
are the queerest guessers ! Of course it was a tiny little 
mouse ! Now was n’t it. Grandma ? ” 

“ Not quite right, my dear,” I answered, laughing. 

“Instead of a mouse it was a tiny little note all written 
in poetry. If I remember rightly, it was this : 

“A Merry Christmas, Gladys dear, 

A bright and happy day. 

My child has filled two homes with- cheer, 

God will her gifts repay.” 

“How nice in her mamma to think of that,” said Pearl, 
“and she was quite a poet, too.” 

“Poetess, you should say,” corrected Roy. 

“Oh, well, prob’ly her mamma didn’t know herself 


22 


ONLY ACORNS. 


she was a po-et-ess,” remarked wise little Ruby, “she 
was only finking of her little Gladys.” 

“ After reading this Gladys ran to wish her papa and 
mamma ‘A Merry Christmas,’ and to tell them about 
her beautiful presents. 

“After breakfast they all went to church to sing 
Christmas carols. Then in the afternoon her papa took 
mamma, little Faithy Gray and herself all out for a nice 
long sleighride, which they enjoyed so much, especially 
Faithy, who, of course, carried Rosalie. 

“As she had a pretty new cloak and cap and some 
gloves for Christmas, she was very warm and comfort- 
able ; and a cheerful little girl, if she was a cripple. 

“And when Gladys saw how much she really thought of 
Rosalie she was happy, also, to think that she had given 
her very best doll to the poor, little crippled Faithy. 

“Now Gladys had got up quite early that morning, and 
when it began to get dark she began to get sleepy; so 
she climbed upon her papa’s lap, and was almost asleep 
before she knew it. 

“ Suddenly her papa said, ‘ Have you put your dollies 
to bed.? If their mamma is so sleepy, I should think 
that they would be also. And if they should get asleep, 
they would fall out of their chairs.’ 

“ Then for the first time that day Gladys thought of 
her dollies. ‘The poor, poor children. What a Christ- 
mas day they have had ! I have not even spoken to 
them to-day.’ 

“As she ran upstairs to see them her papa called, 
‘ Perhaps you had better invite them down to tea. 
They must be hungry and quite lonesome.’ 


GRANDMA^S CHRISTMAS STORY. 


23 


“ But it made Gladys feel quite lonesome herself, to 
think of not seeing Rosalie in her little chair with the 
others. 

“ When she reached her room she stood still and looked. 
What ! could that be Rosalie sitting in her own chair 
again ? Oh, no, it was not Rosalie, but a little stranger, 
who was really very pretty, yet not nearly as handsome 
as her lovely Rose. 

“The new dollie was not quite as tall, and she did not 
have such a pretty dress, but she looked so pleasant, and 
smiled so sweetly at Gladys, that she could not help say- 
ing : 

“ ‘ How do you do, little girl ? You are very welcome. 
I know that you are laughing at me for not seeing you 
before, because you must have been sitting here all this 
Christmas day. But I shall love you just the same.’ 

“ So she kissed the little stranger, and carried her 
down-stairs to make friends with the rest of the family. 

“ When Gladys had shown her dollie to them all, papa 
asked, ‘ What are you going to call her ? She must have 
a name.’ 

“ After thinking for a few moments, Gladys replied, ‘ I 
think that I will name her after Faith, and call her Faithy 
Gray.’ 

“After supper Gladys sat down to rock Faithy to sleep, 
but instead of singing to her dollie, she began to talk, 
and told her all about her presents, and how she had 
spent the day. ‘ And do you know, Faithy, dear,’ said 
Gladys, ‘ that I should really not have been one half as 
happy if I had kept Rosalie; and not given her to poor, 
little crippled Faithy Gray, for whom you are named. 


24 


ONLY ACORNS. 


although you are not crippled yet, but you must be a 
good little girl and not quarrel with Fido, or you may 
be.’ 

As I finished my story, Roy said, “ That was a good 
story, but I do wish that you could think of some poetry 
about Injuns and a little boy, and make up a story which 
I should like better.” 

“ Oh, I should n’t,” said Pearl, “ and I think that this 
story was just lovely.” 

“Well,” remarked Ruby, “ I’ se just as glad as I can 
be that Gladys had a noover dollie, but I fink she had 
’nough presents for one little girl.” 

“You girls may talk about your dolls!” exclaimed 
Roy. “But just look ! It is really clearing off ! ” 

And he was right, for the next day the sun shone out 
very brightly and everything looked so beautiful, all 
covered with the snow. Yet by the time that the roads 
were broken through, and there was a path to slide down 
hill on, the vacation was over, and school commenced 
again. 


THE LIGHTNING’S MISSION. 


* OOD morning, Mrs. Clark. Here are all the little 

V_T ones, too, helping their mother, like the- good 
children they are.” 

“Why, good morning. Miss Winters. How you 
frightened me. Will you take a seat here, or shall we 
go inside ? You look very warm and tired.” 

“ I will sit here, if you please. Yes, I am rather tired. 
I have just been over to old Mrs. Williams with a bas- 
ket of things. She is quite feeble, you know, and has 
none too many delicacies.” 

“ I heard that she was poorly, but I have been so busy 
I could not get away. It is a great b,kssing we have 
such an angel of goodness as you are in the neighbor- 
hood to look out for us all.” 

“ If you begin to talk like that I shall go, but it is so 
cool on this verandah, it is a comfort to sit hefe. I am 
so thankful that you did not lose your house also when 
your barn was burned.” 

“ And well might we all be, too, for then we would 
have been destitute indeed. As it is, we aue bad enough 
off. Probably you have heard that the insurance had 
run out, and not one penny can we get for all our loss. 
Oh, why does the Lord send his grand, but terrible 
lightning to do so much damage ^ It seems strange, too. 


26 


ONLY ACORNS. 


that such poor folks as we should be called upon to suf- 
fer a loss like this, when there are plenty of the rich 
around here who would not, in reality, feel the misfortune 
at all.” 

“No doubt, my dear, but He has some wise plan in 
view, for the carrying out of which He destroyed your 
property. He taketh away, but He giveth again, and 
many times double fold. And you must remember that 
‘ Every cloud has a silver lining.’ ” With these words, 
Ruth Winters tried to cheer her friend and neighbor, 
and make the outlook more pleasant. 

But Mrs. Clark had more to say before she would be 
comforted much, and Ruth was glad that she had, for it 
was to find out about their trouble that she had pur- 
posely stopped. 

“Father and the boys,” she continued, “were real dis- 
heartened and discouraged at first, as they could see no 
possible way of building again this winter; but they 
bravely put their shoulders to the wheel and said that 
would never do. The horses and cattle must have some 
protection, and so they are trying to build something 
that will answer for a while. Father tries to appear 
cheerful, but I can see that he is making a great effort 
to do so.” 

“Yes, and it is very noble and brave in him, too. Per- 
haps the cloud may show a little of its silver lining yet. 
But I must be going, or you will have me here to dinner 
and make more dishes for these little girls to wash.” 

“Oh, please stay,” answered the children, “we want 
you to, and do not mind at all about the dishes.” 

However, before Mrs. Clark could join with her little 


THE LIGHTNINGS MISSION 


27 


girls’ wishes. Miss Winters had risen and was bidding 
them good-by. 

As she was going home, she thought this is a great 
loss to them, and something must be done. I believe 
that if I should start right around this neighborhood, 
not with any subscription paper, but see what each one 
could give, I w'ould be able to raise quite a sum to help 
them out. 

Therefore, that very afternoon found her started on 
her mission, and by night she was quite elated with her 
success. 

But the next morning she had planned a visit which 
she dreaded, and which she well knew would require all 
the will power that she could command to force her to 
accomplish her errand. Yet, she thought, there is no 
reason why Edward Roberts, by far the richest man in 
this vicinity, and, it is true, many think the most miserly, 
should not give his share to help along these poor peo- 
ple. 

However, although she felt very brave, it was with 
almost a trembling hand she rang the bell at the commo- 
dious house of Edward Roberts. 

Who should open the door but that very person him- 
self, and he was very much surprised when he saw who 
his visitor was. 

“Good morning. Miss Winters, step in, please;” and 
leading the way into the library, he continued, “ You are 
out early this morning.” 

“ Yes, and I have a little plan which I would like to 
explain to you, if you have no objections.” 

“ Certainly not, be seated, please, and I will listen.” 


28 


OJSTLY A COR ATS. 


His abrupt manner helped her to regain her complete 
self-possession, and she calmly and quietly told of her 
plan and the object of her visit. 

While she was talking he watched her intensely, and 
when she had finished he sat thoughtfully gazing at the 
floor a few moments, then arose and went to his desk. 

After writing a few words, he handed her a check for 
five hundred dollars. 

Before she could recover from her astonishment 
enough to thank him, he motioned her to be seated 
again, and, taking the chair opposite her, he said : 

“ I cannot^ blame you. Miss Winters, for being sur- 
prised at my action, but I have done this to prove to 
you that I am not as miserly and mean as people believe 
me, and that I can be very different from what I have 
been considered by this neighborhood. Since you came 
in I have done some pretty deep thinking. My old 
housekeeper is getting very feeble, and I must soon 
make a change. Now, my dear Miss Winters — Ruth — 
could you, would you consent to become my wife ? I 
will do all in my power to make you happy, and as long 
as I have a penny you shall never want for anything. 

“ I am not a stranger to you, and you are far from 
being one to me, for I have watched you on your errands 
of kindness and mercy, and know of more of your good 
deeds than you think for. 

“Just consent to my wishes, and we will give this old 
town a surprise that it will not forget.” 

As he paused for an answer, Ruth said : 

“ This is so sudden and unexpected, Mr. Roberts, you 
will have to give me a little time to consider before I can 


THE LIGHTNINGS MISSION 


29 


answer you ; and I thank you very much for your kind- 
ness.” 

“Just as you wish, but will not this day do, and may I 
call in the evening for my answer?” 

Ruth’s heart was throbbing so that she could hardly 
reply. 

“Yes,” she said, “you may call this evening;” and she 
arose to go. 

As she was leaving, he said, “Please think kindly of 
me, Miss Winters, — Ruth — and do not disappoint me 
when I call.” 

Ruth went no farther that day, but straight home, and 
locking herself in her little cottage she thought and 
thought. 

Now Ruth Winters could have had plenty of offers of 
marriage if she had given them any encouragement, but 
she had considered it her first duty to care for her aged 
and feeble parents, and she had performed this duty 
faithfully until death claimed them, within a few months 
of each other. Since then she had lived alone, and 
would have been very lonely indeed had she not occu- 
pied her mind as much as possible with other things. 

Memory brought back all this, and now to become the 
wife of the richest man in town, — how much good she 
could accomplish then. 

When evening came, she had decided what to do, and 
she calmly met Edward Roberts at the door. 

Before they reached the little parlor, he said, “ What 
are you going to say to me. Miss Winters ? Are you 
going to send me away? ” 

For an answer, she turned, and placing her hand in 


30 


ONLY A COL NS. 


his, replied : “ No, Mr. Roberts — Edward — I have de- 
cided to become your wife, and I am sure that we can 
live very happily together.” 

He gently kissed her forehead, and said, “Thank you, 
my Ruth, time will prove that.” Then placing her in 
a chair and taking the one beside her, he continued : 
“Now it is my turn to have a little plan, and I would 
like your opinion of it. The Clarks will probably have 
a good old-fashioned barn-raising. Why not give our 
friends and neighbors a genuine surprise by appearing 
before them and take our marriage vows ? ” 

“ This is very wise and thoughtful, for if we have a 
wedding there are many who will insist upon making us 
presents when they cannot afford it; and besides none 
can then say that we did not invite them to the 
wedding.” 

“Always thinking of others, as usual, my dear, and 
what you say is true.” 

“ No, I shall have to confess that the good thought is 
yours this time.” 

Not many weeks after this, a beautiful September day, 
found nearly the whole town, one would think, assembled 
for the barn-raising. The women, too, had done their 
share to help matters along, and Mrs. Clark said that 
she believed they had good things enough to feed half 
of Cuba. 

Just before it was time for refreshments, some one 
exclaimed, “ I declare, if there is n’t Edward Roberts 
coming with a brand new’ carriage and pair of horses, 
and, as true as I live, Ruth Winters and the minister 
are with him.” 


THE LIGHTNINGS MISSION. 


3 ^ 


As the boys took charge of the team, they came up the 
walk. Soon the people realized what was going to 
happen, for the minister, in a clear voice, began to talk : 
“ My good people, all, you will please witness the mar- 
riage ceremony of your neighbor, Edward Roberts, and 
one of the kindest friends that you ever had, Ruth 
Winters.” 

While congratulations and good wishes were being 
said, some one proposed three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. 
Roberts. They were given with a hearty good will and 
could be heard far beyond the Clark farm or the one 
adjoining. 

As the people were preparing to go, some one was 
heard to say, “ What a surprise we have had ! I do n’t 
believe that this barn-raising will be forgotten for one 
while.” 

And it was not, but the story was handed down to 
their children’s children. 


IS CUPID EVER DEFEATED? 


^ ^ JUST think of it, Grace ! A trip to Newport ! Won’t 

J the sail be delightful ? But what I shall enjoy most 
will be a good swim in the real ocean.” 

“Yes, Helen, no doubt we shall enjoy every moment 
of the time, and Aunt Laura is very kind to take us.” 

“ Of course she is. She was born good, and has never 
been otherwise than kind and generous,” answered 
Helen, who considered Aunt Laura, with whom these 
girls always spent a part of their vacation, about perfect. 

The excursion day dawned bright and clear, and 
seemed, indeed, the “bridal of Earth and Sky.” There- 
fore, on account of the smooth sailing, the passengers 
were allowed an extra hour on the water, thus giving 
them a much shorter stop at that famous summer resort. 

While viewing the brilliant scenery, Helen suddenly 
noticed many of the four hundred going for a dip in the 
sparkling waves, and exclaimed, — “ O Auntie, how fast 
the time is flying, and we have not been in bathing yet ! ” 
And in a few moments Helen was in the water, enjoying 
the high waves as only a lover of them can. But Grace, 
thinking that the trouble would not pay for so short a 
time, preferred to remain with Aunt Laura. 

Helen really was an expert swimmer, a born water- 
nymph, and was the pride of her younger brothers, to 
whom she had first taught the art, — and now, as she met 


/S CUPID EVER DEFEATED? 


33 


the in-coming waves, allowing their cool foam to break 
over her, she wished her brothers were there to enjoy 
them also. 

At this moment, her attention was drawn to a spot 
where two young men, emerging from the gay throng of 
bathers, seemed to be striving in a race. Yes ; they 
really are, and their goal seems to be a rock which rises 
from the water a little distance from where Helen is sit- 
ting, for she is watching them, deeply interested to see 
the result of the contest. 

They reach the rock, one a little in advance of the 
other, and turning backwards with the swiftness of an 
accomplished swimmer he is soon half way back again. 
But his companion, as he turns, seems to be struggling 
in the water as if he had lost all control of himself, and 
doubtless he would have been drowned had not Helen 
darted like an arrow into the water, and, firmly grasping 
his arm, held him up. While he, with one look into the 
bright, earnest face bending over him, heard these 
words, — “ Keep up courage and I will save you.” 

But his strength had failed him and he sank back 
apparently lifeless, while Helen started for the shore as 
best she could. 

However, she had not gone far before attracting notice 
from the other swimmers, and immediately they started 
to meet her. 

As they came near and Helen willingly gave up her 
burden, she said, “I was just in time to save your 
friend from going down, and he needs attention at 
once.” 

Then she hurried back to where her aunt and sister 


34 


ONLY ACORNS. 


were waiting, and Aunt Laura, becoming quite impatient^ 
exclaimed, — “What on earth were you doing with that 
young man ? Did you save him from drowning ? ” 

“ Pardon me, dear Auntie, it was not on earth but in 
water. I hope that I did really save him though.” 

“ Well, I hope so, too, but you must not lose time talk- 
ing now, for we have less than fifteen minutes before 
that boat leaves.” 

“Yes; I will hurry and agree to be on time if you will 
promise me that neither of you will say a word about 
this incident. I do not want a great piece in the papers 
about me.” 

“ Of course you do n’t,” answered Grace,, who hated 
publicity. “And I know that Aunt Laura will agree 
with me and promise also, if you will only hurry.” 

Soon the final signal was given, and, as the boat was 
leaving. Aunt Laura and the girls could be seen 
comfortably seated on deck, from where a last view of 
the beautiful Newport might be obtained. 

While each moment added to the distance between 
Burton Lyndon and his rescuer, physicians patiently 
worked to restore him to consciousness. 

Their efforts seemed fruitless, however, for about an 
hour, when he opened his eyes and asked, — “ What is 
her name ? Thank God, she was in time.” 

“Yes; you are safe now, but you must take this and 
not talk any more at present,” he is quietly answered. 

When allowed to talk, he said to his friend, — “Will, 
you must help me to find the name of this water-nymph, 
for it was a brave deed and must be rewarded. I shall 
search the earth and sea until I know.” 


/S CUPID EVER DEFEATED? 


35 


“ I doubt if you will have to search far, and I sin- 
cerely hope that you will find her.” 

However, the summer turned to winter and winter to 
summer again, yet the mystery remained unsolved. 

But it had been a hard winter for the Masons. The 
father had been taken with a slow fever, and for many 
days his life was despaired of. Fortunately, Grace had 
a fine position as teacher, and without her earnings and 
the help of friends, the family would have been in a sad 
plight. 

Yet the warm spring days helped them all to regain 
their courage, and they would have felt quite cheerful 
had they not known that the interest on the mortgage 
must soon be paid. 

Although Helen had earnestly pleaded for more time, 
hard-hearted Arthur Collins would give them only thirty 
days before the money must be paid or he should 
foreclose. 

One afternoon, Helen, returning from the city, ex- 
claimed, — “O Grace, I have such good news! Yester- 
day I met kind old Professor Lawton, and he wanted to 
see me. When in his study, he asked why I had given 
up my singing lessons. Then I told him all, even about 
that hateful mortgage, and also about the songs and 
music that you have composed. Well, I carried them to 
him to-day, and he says that they are really beautiful and 
that you are a genius. He is to give a concert soon and 
wants the honor of having you play and me sing. He 
says that he will pay us well.” 

“ Helen,” replied Grace, slowly, “ I can hardly believe 
this.” 


36 


OMLY A CORALS. 


Now it happened that Burton Lyndon was spending a 
short vacation with his college chum, Will Russell. One 
morning Will said to him, — “You remember Professor 
Lawton. He is to give a concert soon, and as they are 
considered a rare treat, and well worth going twenty 
miles to hear, I thought perhaps you would like to 
attend.” 

“ Of course, I should be delighted to go,” answered his 
friend. 

Consequently, when the evening arrived, these two 
young men were on time and seated in one of the boxes. 

After the first few numbers Grace Mason appeared 
and rendered a fine piece on the piano, for which she 
was heartily applauded, especially as the programme 
stated that the gifted composer was the player. Presently 
she appeared again, and as the first few notes were 
heard, Helen quietly stepped to the front of the stage. 

She was simply dressed in white, and needed no 
adornment but the rich red roses to set off her expres- 
sive dark eyes and fresh complexion to advantage. 

Before commencing the beautiful song, she raised her 
eyes over the audience, and as they rested for a second 
on the eager, earnest face of Burton Lyndon she knew 
at once to whom that face belonged. 

And Burton, when the song was ended, said to his 
friend, — “ Will, that is she at last. I am positive that is 
our water-nymph and we must learn her name.” 

Before returning home, a call was made on Professor 
Lawton, from whom, by plying questions with the tact 
of a lawyer. Burton learned much to his advantage con- 
cerning the Masons. 


A9 CUPID EVER DEFEATED? 


37 


The next morning Helen received a kind letter, signed 
“Your sincere friend, Burton Lyndon,” which contained 
a draft for twenty-five hundred dollars, two thousand of 
which, the writer thought, she would be happy to present 
to Arthur Collins. As she hated publicity, perhaps the 
less said the better about her reward, but he was sure 
that if his parents could only know her they would 
agree with him that no money could justly reward so 
brave a deed. 

It is needless to add that Burton Lyndon managed to 
meet Helen quite often, ^nd, as their acquaintance 
became more than mere friendship, one day he asked 
her a question. 

When she mentioned the objections that his millionaire 
father might raise, he replied, — “ Do n’t think of them, 
but remember that I hold the first mortgage, and unless 
the interest is paid I shall foreclose.” 

And Helen, with a happy laugh, paid the interest, 
with which he seemed perfectly satisfied. 


HOW BESSIE WENT TO THE PICNIC. 


TOLLY! Well I should say so! Just think of a 

J whole day down in old Silver Glen when we have 
been in school so long without a vacation ! Three cheers 
for the woods and a picnic !- Hip ! Hip ! Hurrah ! ” and 
Harry Mason was joined in his wild cheering by a dozen 
other eager boys. 

Not far away, sitting under a large maple whose leafy 
branches formed such a delightful shade, was a little girl 
who heard these happy voices, yet could not look for- 
ward to the time with as much pleasure as they. For 
Bessie Lane when only two years old had received such 
injuries from a fall as to render her a cripple for life, 
unable to take even a step. So, of course, she could not 
expect to go to the woods. 

Now how could Bessie go to school if she could not 
walk.? It was- this way. Although her parents were 
quite poor, and there were children younger than Bessie, 
yet when the others of her age began to attend school, 
they were very anxious that their little girl should learn 
to read and write like the rest. 

Speaking of this one day to Mr. Russell, the owner of 
the factory in which Robert Lane worked, who was 
kindly inquiring after his family, he replied, “Well, 
Robert, I am sure that some way will be provided for 


BESS IE WENT TO THE PICNIC. 


39 


your little daughter. She is such a bright child, when 
she once has a chance she will learn quickly.” 

Now there never was a more generous man than Mr. 
Russell, and no one could be more truly respected by all 
of his men. The next morning he went to the city, and 
when he returned stopped in front of Mr. Lane’s house. 
Taking from his wagon an easy and very comfortable 
rolling chair, he presented it to Bessie, saying to Mrs. 
Lane : “ As your yard joins that of the school, it will be 
quite an easy matter for some one to wheel her over when 
she wishes to go. I .am sure her playmates will be de- 
lighted to have her with them.” 

^ Of course, Bessie and her mother were unable to ex- 
press the thanks they felt, but Mr. Russell could see how 
much his gift was appreciated, and that was enough. 
After this almost every pleasant morning her mother or 
some of the pupils would wheel Bessie across the yard, 
up the broad, flat step, and into the cheerful school- 
room, for this was a village school and quite different 
from the large buildings in the city. 

As this was the last day of school, and the week be- 
fore the picnic, there was a great deal for them to talk 
and plan about. How strange that they did not think of 
little Bessie, but were so happy at the thought of a pic- 
nic in the woods that they did not stop to consider any- 
thing else. They planned for each one to carry some- 
thing to eat. While the girls were arranging this on a 
white spread laid on a very firm table, for the boys could 
not tip over old Mother Earth, as the girls laughingly 
said, no matter how hard they tried, the boys were to 
build a stove out of stones on which they could make 


40 


ONLY ACORNS. 


the coffee. They were going to have the fun of making 
this themselves and be real grown-up folks. They did 
not stop to think whether the smoky coffee would taste 
as good as cold lemonade, but were counting on the 
pleasure they would have. 

As it began to rain that afternoon, Bessie did not 
come to school, but she had heard enough of their plans 
already to make her feel sad, for she knew she could not 
go with them. However, like the patient little girl that 
she was she did not complain, but was glad to think that 
her schoolmates were going to have such a good time. 

At Sabbath-school the next Sunday their teacher 
talked to them about self-sacrifice, and as Olive Wood- 
ing was going home she was very thoughtful. She was 
thinking of Bessie who was just her own age. 

“ Mamma,” she said when reaching home, “ I have 
been thinking of Bessie Lane. You know that we have 
it all planned to hold a picnic down in Silver Glen Sat- 
urday and are expecting a lovely time. Now, it is queer, 
but we were all so interested that I do n’t believe one of 
us thought of poor Bessie and that she could not go too. 
Of course she can’t, and how bad she must feel. 

“Our teacher has been talking to us to-day about self- 
sacrifice. She asked us to see if each one could not 
give up something this week to please some one else. I 
was thinking what I could do when all of a sudden I 
thought of Bessie. Now I know that it will be real mean 
for all the rest of us to go and have a good time, but I 
don’t see what we can do. They wo n’t all of them want 
to give it up, and surely we can’t take Bessie to the 
woods. Wo n’t you tell me what to do. Mamma ? ” 


NOW BESSIE WENT TO THE PICNIC. 


41 


“ My dear girl, I am very glad to see you so thought- 
ful. Yes, I will try and help you out of your trouble. 
Bessie is a good girl, and if you can do something to 
make her happy you will never be sorry. Now, I have 
thought of a plan. Instead of going to the woods why 
don’t you all go to Bessie’s house? You can wheel her 
down under those large maple trees, set your table, and 
have just as* pleasant a time, be sides making her so 
happy. Poor child, I am afraid that she has little to 
amuse her, now school is closed. 

“You must all carry something to eat the same as if 
going to the woods, and you might each one give her 
some little present. You can let her mother know, but 
have it a surprise for Bessie, if you like, which will be all 
the more pleasure. Probably some of the boys will not 
want to give up the woods at first, but when they think 
how pleased Bessie .will be they will agree to your plans. 

“ What do you think of this, my dear ? ” said Mrs. 
Wooding as she saw Olive’s face rather clouded. In an 
instant it lighted up, however, and she replied : 

“ Oh, you dear, darling Mamma, I think that will be 
just splendid, if the others will do the same. I did not 
want to give up old Silver Glen at first, but it will be 
real self-sacrifice, won’t it. Mamma? ” 

“Yes, Olive, I think it will, and you will all be much 
happier to know that you have given Bessie so much 
pleasure. 

“ In the morning you may go around and see if the 
rest will agree to your plans. Then arrange it among 
yourselves, and tell Mrs. Lane, who, I am sure, will be 
very grateful to you for making her little girl so happy.” 


42 


ONLY ACORNS. 


“Yes, Mamma, I will, and I shall be sure and tell 
them not to forget to bring Bessie something.” 

So the next morning Olive started out, and though 
some hesitated at first about giving up the woods they 
finally all agreed to Olive’s plans. 

When at last Saturday came there never was a merrier 
crowd of girls and boys than that which started for 
Bessie Lane’s. There were twenty in all, ranging in ages 
from six to twelve, and not one but who had some little 
present for their unfortunate schoolmate. Besides the 
girls had met at Olive’s house, each given her share, and 
bought a beautiful, large doll. Then with a little help 
from Olive’s mother, they had dressed it very prettily 
and neatly. 

But we left them starting for Bessie’s. Well, this Sat- 
urday was a beautiful sunshiny day in July, not too 
warm, but pleasant. When they reached Mrs. Lane’s 
there never was anyone more completely surprised than 
Bessie, who knew that the woods did not lie in their 
direction, and wondered why they were all coming that 
way. 

But when they stopped right in front of the house, and 
came up to the door, her joy was so great that she could 
hardly keep quiet.- “O Mamma ! ” she said, “ they are 
really coming here ! Do you suppose they are going to 
stay all day with me ? ” . 

“ I should n’t wonder, darling,” her mother replied; 
with a happy smile. 

After they had presented Bessie with her doll and the 
other gifts, and with her treasures in her lap, wheeled 
her down under the trees, they were all so happy not one 


//OIV BESSIE WENT TO THE PICNIC. 


43 


wished that they had gone to the woods instead. Then 
they played games, some like bean-bag, in which Bessie 
could join. 

When it was time to set the table who should appear 
but Olive’s and several of the others’ mammas, who, of 
course, helped out in arranging it, and among other 
things added to the goodies a plate of delicious straw- 
berries and cream for each one. Bessie occupied the 
place of honor at the table, and the children all said that 
they had had a splendid time. 

In fact, they had such a good time that when Olive 
reached home she was sure that she had not made any 
self-sacrifice at all, but somehow she was a great deal 
happier little girl than she had ever been before. 












□□□Eisai3b7 







•( 







/ 



.. ,'y, 






